If you’re gîte owners or living part-time in France, keeping your garden in shape can be a real juggling act ~ especially during the busy summer season when heatwaves roll in and guest bookings ramp up. Between managing changeovers, travel, and the unpredictability of the weather, garden care often ends up at the bottom of the to-do list.
But the truth is, a tidy, well-maintained outdoor space makes all the difference to your gîte’s appearance (as gîte owners know) ~ and to your own peace of mind when you’re away. That’s why a bit of planning (and a helping hand if you need it) can go a long way.
Here are some friendly, practical tips from Tim Read Gardening Services ~ based near Royère-de-Vassivière in the Limousin ~ to help keep your garden welcoming, manageable, and guest-ready all summer long.
1. Keep It Simple and Sustainable
Your garden doesn’t need to be elaborate to be attractive. In fact, for gîte gardens, the simpler the better ~ especially if guests may be coming and going or if you’re not there full-time.
- Stick to low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary, grasses, and hardy perennials.
- Group pots near water sources or shady areas to reduce stress on your plants (and yourself).
- Use mulch or slate to keep weeds down and lock in moisture ~ both decorative and practical.
2. Regular Hedge Cutting and Pruning
Neatly trimmed hedges frame a garden beautifully, and guests love arriving to a space that looks well looked-after. Making happy gîte owners!
Late summer is the perfect time to get hedges under control before autumn sets in. Tim’s skilled with both traditional shears and modern hedge trimmers, so whether it’s a neat box hedge or something a bit wild and overgrown, it’s covered.
3. Think About Watering ~ Especially If You’re Away
Dry spells are common in France during July and August. A simple irrigation system can save a lot of time and protect your plants from heat stress.
If you’re not around to water ~ don’t worry. Tim offers plant care visits, so you can relax knowing your garden is in good hands. He can even help set up basic irrigation or watering schedules to suit your garden’s needs.
4. Tidy Paths and Gravel = Great First Impressions
Paths, patios, and gravelled areas are often the first thing guests see when they arrive. Keeping them tidy really makes your gîte feel looked after ~ and saves you the last-minute panic clean.
Tim offers garden blitzes that include clearing weeds, brushing down gravel, edging paths, and generally making things look fresh and tidy for the season.
5. Need Help? We’re Here to help gîte owners and expats alike.
Not everyone wants to spend their weekends digging and trimming ~ especially when you’ve got guests arriving or you’re only in France for a short stay. That’s where we can help.
At Tim Read Gardening Services, we offer:
- Regular or one-off garden maintenance
- Hedge cutting, pruning, and lawn care
- Gravel refresh and light landscaping
- Gîte garden blitzes and pre-guest tidy-ups
- Watering visits during dry spells
- And for gîte owners — Tanya is happy to lend a hand with cleaning or changeover prep too
Local, Friendly and Experienced
We’re based near Royère-de-Vassivière, right in the heart of the Limousin countryside. Most of our work is with fellow expats and local gîte owners who want a trustworthy, English-speaking gardener who knows their way around a shovel (and a hedge trimmer!).
If you need help keeping your outdoor space looking its best, especially during the busy summer months, just get in touch. We’ve got a few spaces left this season — and we’re always happy to have a chat about your garden plans.
Get in touch now to book a visit or chat through your garden needs.
Your gîte garden deserves to look as good as the views around here!